How to Prepare Your Narration Script
We know you’ve worked hard crafting the ideal script, but before you send it along to be recorded with a professional narrator voice, there are just a few things we’d like you to review. Follow the steps below to get your narration script polished and ready for recording!
Read Your Script Out Loud to Yourself
This might feel a little unusual, but reading your script aloud helps you notice where natural pauses occur. Reading out loud reveals where your narrator voice will naturally take a breath.
At each pause, add a comma, period, or appropriate punctuation to match the flow of the sentence.
Typically, we abide by a pause of one unit for a comma, a pause of two units for a period, and a pause of three units for a paragraph. This is a general rule-of-thumb, of course.
Take this moment to correct any run-on sentences. On the other hand, if you notice your flow stopping too often, try removing punctuation to keep things natural.
Avoid Abbreviations
Have you used any abbreviations in your script? Please write them out for us! This way, we know exactly what you want to be said, and we can pass this information on to our narrator voice actor.
Here are some examples of common abbreviations we see:
Time zones: EST should be written as Eastern Savings Time
States: LA should be written as Louisiana
Companies: INC. should be written as incorporated if that is what is desired
Specify How You Want Numbers Read
If your narration script includes numbers, please indicate how you’d like them spoken in your voice narration.
For example, some people prefer that 0 is read as “zero” and others as “oh”.
Please write it out as you wish to have it read.
Example: 1 eight hundred 256 zero 123.
Need Help Writing Your Script?
Start by selecting your type of narration and review the guidelines so your script is read exactly the way you imagine
with the right narrating voice!
Professional
A professional tone is perfect when you are looking to instill confidence in your customer that you are the most knowledgeable in the field about your expertise. The tone for a professional script will be even, with no whispered or accentuated words.
Avoid jargon like “y'all” and stick to professional pronouns like sir, madam, gentlemen, etc.- Do not use descriptive language, and keep your message direct and focused.
- Ensure all your grammar is correct and proper.
Conversational
A conversational tone is great for training materials and internal communication. This style sounds friendly and natural, and allows for light emphasis.
- Add a casual greeting like “hey there” or “welcome back.”
- Use contractions whenever appropriate.
- A touch of humor is welcome if it suits your message.
- It is okay to include jokes or jargon that is common in your region’s everyday conversation.
Sensitive
A sensitive narrator voice is recommended when the listener or viewer may be experiencing a lot of emotions. Sensitive scripts are spoken in an even, compassionate tone.
- Use “we” when referring to yourself or your company.
- Do not make any jokes or use jargon.
- Avoid words that may sound overly harsh.
Script Guidelines
Ready to write your script? Follow these guidelines as you go so we can make your script come to life just as you imagined it!
- Please specify at the top of your script the type of narration you want (professional, conversational, sensitive).
- You may CAPITALIZE words you want to be accentuated.
- Add any notes in colour, between [brackets] for any specific inflection you may desire.
You should now have a clear idea of how to prepare your narration script for submission.
If you have any questions, or are struggling to prepare your script, do not hesitate to contact the representatives at Amazing Voice for help!